Our Blog

A Story of Hope and Partnership in Bidibidi

A very special thank you to Madam Elise Kant. Thank you for empowering us and putting rural communities like ours at the heart of your mission. This meant a lot to us, more than words can fully express. Your presence and support through the Haella Foundation are helping transform lives here in Bidibidi, and we are deeply grateful.

When the Haella Foundation team visited our YFTC office in Bidibidi, it was a moment of great joy and excitement. We were honored to host you and show you the work we’ve been doing in the community. Your team traveled far to be with us, and it meant so much to our staff, volunteers, and the beneficiaries. To see you witness the progress firsthand, to hear, see, and feel the energy of our community, was a powerful moment for us all.

During your visit, our participants had the opportunity to share their heartfelt stories. Many of these stories came from a place of deep struggle, but they were also full of hope and vision. Our youth, women, and community leaders stood up and spoke proudly about their dreams, dreams of education, leadership, business, and digital skills. Their dreams are no longer far away. With your support and the programs we’re running at YFTC Uganda, those dreams are becoming clearer and closer every day. We shared stories of young girls who once had no access to digital learning but can now confidently use computers and navigate the internet.

We heard from young men who are finding purpose in community leadership and entrepreneurship. We listened to women who are now earning a living through digital platforms and teaching others to do the same. These are not just stories; these are lives being reshaped, step by step. The discussion during your visit was both informative and inspiring. The interaction between your team and our beneficiaries sparked new ideas and deeper understanding.

It reminded us that we are not alone in this work, we are part of a bigger family of changemakers across the world who believe in the potential of communities like ours. At YFTC, we believe in lifting each other up. Our work is built on partnership, passion, and persistence. And thanks to partners like Haella Foundation, we are seeing our community grow stronger every day.

We are especially proud that you saw the strength, resilience, and talent that exists right here in Bidibidi. These are not just vulnerable people, they are resourceful, intelligent, and eager to contribute to the world. What they need is the chance, the tools, and someone to believe in them. You, through the Haella Foundation, are giving them that chance. We say a big thank you once again to Madam Elise and the entire Haella Foundation team. Your visit gave us new energy and renewed our belief in the work we do. We are hopeful and excited for what lies ahead. Together, we are bridging the digital divide. Together, we are reframing the story of refugees and host communities.

Together, we are building a future filled with hope. Thank you, @HaellaFoundation! We're super happy to have hosted your team at our office in Bidibidi! We look forward to walking this journey with you and making even greater impact in the months and years ahead. With gratitude and hope.

Connectivity as a Lifeline: Empowering Refugee Youth

World Refugee Day serves as a poignant reminder of the millions displaced from their homes, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives. For refugee youth, the challenges are amplified, often facing limited access to education, opportunities, and essential services. Youth Focus on Transforming Communities (YFTC), a refugee youth-led organization based in Bidibidi, Uganda, believes that connectivity is not a luxury, but a lifeline.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Our mission at YFTC is to bridge the digital divide and empower refugee youth through access to connectivity, skills training, advocacy, and livelihood opportunities. We understand that digital inclusion is crucial for accessing information, education, and economic empowerment. We believe that connectivity helps foster social inclusion, mental well being and gives our community a voice.

The Impact of Digital Inclusion

The impact of digital inclusion on refugee youth is transformative. With access to connectivity, they can:
Access education and training: We have Trained over 500 youth who are now exploring Online learning platforms to provide them with opportunities for continued education and skills development. 550 directly benefited from our advocacy and livelihood programs.
Connect with family and friends: Over 10,000 now have access to Digital communication tools that help them maintain connections with loved ones separated by displacement.
Access information and services: Every day, young people visit our hub in zone 1 and 4, to access vital information on healthcare, legal aid, and resettlement opportunities.
Create livelihood opportunities: With over 40 who have managed to start up a digital related businesses, many others, are exploring online work, and access to global markets.
Promote wellbeing: Access to information and digital connection fosters a sense of community and combats isolation. We have witnessed firsthand how digital inclusion empowers refugee youth to overcome challenges, build resilience, and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
We have witnessed firsthand how digital inclusion empowers refugee youth to overcome challenges, build resilience, and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Gratitude and Collaboration

YFTC's work would not be possible without the invaluable support of our key partners, including UNHCR Uganda, 48percent, Haella Foundation, Open Up Let Youth Be Heard, Global Refugee Youth Network, Book Aid International, OPM, and all our collaborating partners. Together, we are creating a more inclusive and equitable digital future for refugee youth.

A Call for Global Solidarity

On this World Refugee Day, we celebrate the resilience and potential of refugee youth. We call for increased global solidarity and investment in digital inclusion initiatives that empower refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute to their host communities. Let us work together to ensure that every refugee youth has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age. This can be achieve through investing in their digital future, we invest in a more just and equitable world for all.

Next Steps

YFTC encourages everyone to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing refugee youth and to support organizations working to promote digital inclusion. You can contribute by donating to YFTC or partner organizations, volunteering your time and skills, or advocating for policies that support refugee empowerment. Connect with us to learn more about how you can help build a brighter future for refugee youth.

New Community Library Established in Bidibidi Settlement

We are pleased to announce the establishment of a new community library in Zone 4 Annex, Bidibidi refugee settlement, made possible through a generous book donation from UNHCR Uganda. The collection includes academic textbooks, literature, and reference materials that will serve as valuable educational resources for our community members.

The library currently houses a collection of 64 volumes, with a focus on accessible reading materials suitable for various literacy levels. The facility welcomes youth from both refugee and host communities, promoting inclusive learning and community integration. Operating daily (Monday to Friday), the library aims to build a culture of reading and lifelong learning while serving as an educational hub for the entire community.

Hand Over of Wahda (Zone 1 ICT Hub) to YFTC by UNHCR

We are proud to announce accquisition of new ICT hub from zone 1 (Wahda)

This is a great journey towards acheiving our goal to scale up our intervention within the refugee settlement. Formally managed by Hellow World the ICT hub which has been providing connectivity to the users, training sessions and gargets to help the commnity shall now keep on providing the same sevice at no cost. With support from UNHCR we are dedicate to serve the community.